Suffolk University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley

Comparable Facts

Compare Suffolk University in Boston, MA with Penn State Lehigh Valley in Center Valley, PA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Suffolk University is larger than Penn State Lehigh Valley based on total student enrollment (6,356 students vs. 867 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Suffolk University is located in Boston, MA (Large City setting); Penn State Lehigh Valley is in Center Valley, PA (Large Suburban setting).
• Suffolk University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Penn State Lehigh Valley is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Suffolk University 15:1; Penn State Lehigh Valley 14:1.

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Suffolk University or Penn State Lehigh Valley? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Penn State Lehigh Valley than Suffolk University ($19,066 vs. $33,832).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Penn State Lehigh Valley are 28.4% lower than at Suffolk University ($15,274 vs. $21,326).
• Suffolk University is 212.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Penn State Lehigh Valley (about $32,342 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $15,208.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 87.3% higher at Suffolk University than at Penn State Lehigh Valley (about $22,158 more per year; $47,550.00 vs. $25,392.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Suffolk University than at Penn State Lehigh Valley (98% vs. 80%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Suffolk University students is 248.1% larger than aid received by Penn State Lehigh Valley students ($31,558 vs. $9,065).

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Suffolk University or Penn State Lehigh Valley? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Penn State Lehigh Valley and Suffolk University.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Penn State Lehigh Valley (1230) is 30 points higher than at Suffolk University (1200).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 1090/1300; Penn State Lehigh Valley 1130/1320.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Suffolk University 24/28.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Suffolk University - Test optional; Penn State Lehigh Valley - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Suffolk University Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Penn State Lehigh Valley students have a 0.09 point higher average high school GPA (3.42) than students at Suffolk University (3.33).
• Penn State Lehigh Valley has a higher acceptance rate (97.4%) than Suffolk University (82.3%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 10.9% at Suffolk University vs. 14% at Penn State Lehigh Valley.

Suffolk University vs. Penn State Lehigh Valley Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Suffolk University and Penn State Lehigh Valley? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Suffolk University's six-year graduation rate (54%) is higher than Penn State Lehigh Valley's (47%).
• Graduates from Suffolk University earn a median of about $3,800 more per year than Penn State Lehigh Valley graduates about ten years after starting college ($59,100 vs. $55,300), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Penn State Lehigh Valley graduates have a $182 lower median loan debt than Suffolk University graduates ($26,818 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Penn State Lehigh Valley graduates have an estimated $2 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Suffolk University graduates ($277 vs. $279).
• More Suffolk University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Penn State Lehigh Valley students, three years after graduation. (70% vs. 69%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.